David Copperfield Study Guide

Glossary of Terms

box

the driver's seat on a coach

caul

the amniotic membrane enclosing a fetus

chaise

a light, open, usually hooded carriage

crown

monetary unit equal to 5 shillings or 60 pence

dudgeon

a feeling of offense or deep resentment

equipage

equipment used in relation to a horse and carriage

fortnight

a period of 14 days or 2 weeks

gaiters

leather or cloth garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, with buttons up the side

guinea

monetary unit equal to 1 pound, 1 shilling

habiliments

clothing

ironmonger

seller of metal goods and related hardware

magnate

a wealthy and influential person, especially in business

pecuniary

having to do with money

perspicuously

clearly; lucidly

proctor

an officer, usually one of two, appointed at certain universities annually and having mainly disciplinary functions

ribald

characterized by or indulging in vulgar, lewd humor

rookery

nesting place for rooks (birds related to crows)

rubicund

having a ruddy complexion

saveloy

a highly seasoned, dried and smoked pork sausage, sold ready to eat

scullery

a dishwashing area

spencer

a short, close-fitting coat worn by women and children in the early 19th century

turnkey

a jailor